Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Story Of Stuff: A Review

The Story of Stuff: 1. Extraction, 2. Production, 3. Distribution

Annie Leonard, a former Greenpeace worker, is fascinated with material things, especially garbage. She says when she looks at a cell phone, sweater, or paper cup “it's entire life cycle flashes before [her] eyes.” It's an obsession that lead to a popular animated short and follow-up bookcalled "The Story Of Stuff" [published in March, 2010]. And along the way, she's been accused of being un-American by followers of Glenn Beck and Fox News.

4. Consumption

"The Story Of Stuff” gets you to think about how material things come into your life and where they go after they are tossed. We are asked to consider the hidden health, environmental and social impact of all the stuff we consume. The book is a very understandable and entertaining read. The tone is upbeat and ultimately hopeful, and it raises important concerns like resource depletion, toxic chemicals, worker safety and economic justice. It also discusses the roles big business, governments and people play in over-consumption. More stuff doesn't de facto produce greater happiness either.

5. Disposal

The author believes we can make products better without destroying our health or our planet, and corporations can be both profitable and socially responsible. She asks us to be open to new ways of thinking.

Although some of her crictics accuse her of misrepresenting scientific terms and data, the book is worthwhile a read. It's good to take stock of what's working and what's not … to question the status quo and to change the way we do things in order to make life better on a global scale.

There isn't a single solution to ecological problems, but her book correctly advocates sustainability and gets readers to focus on the big picture.

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About the blog

Welcome to THE SAVVY SHOPPER, a blog about making smart everyday DECISIONS and getting the best value for your earnings. The blog is about making your time and money work for you. It's about separating your wants from you needs in lieu of being an emotional shopper. It's about selecting quality goods that hold up over time at the best possible prices. It's about living well while spending (and sometimes consuming less). THE SAVVY SHOPPER also asks you to consider your global footprint in a world where all people matter. Why don't we share our knowledge and tips with one another so that we can all be savvy shoppers? Enjoy your stay here ... and feel free to comment. I love hearing from you!